Update - June 25, 2021

Project Background:

This Rt 2A resurfacing project begins near Route 128 and ends at the Crosby’s Corner intersection with Route 2. MassDOT engaged staff from abutting municipalities, Minute Man National Historical Park, MassPort and Hanscom Air Force Base a few years ago, and before conceptual design. At the request of these key stakeholders, including the Town of Lincoln, MassDOT initiated a Route 2A corridor safety improvement study approximately two years ago. MassDOT then coordinated two municipal workshops, one in the fall of 2019 and another in the fall of 2020 to review conceptual designs. Key town leadership boards were invited to participate in the workshops to assess opportunities to mitigate vehicle speeds, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, preserve historical landscape, sustain the corridor’s rural character, and improve the transportation network connectivity of roads, paths, and trails.

Representing Lincoln’s interests in the process were representatives of the Select Board, Planning Board, Roadway & Traffic Committee, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee, and various members of the Town’s professional staff. Lincoln’s representatives drew on numerous previous studies and assessments of the corridor, reviewed updated traffic and accident data, and consulted with public safety and public works staff and other stakeholders. They participated actively as MassDOT and its consultants weighed the advantages and disadvantages of various roadway geometric changes, traffic calming measures, new crosswalks, and other design alternatives for improving safety and connectivity. At the same time that MassDOT was assessing design alternatives, it was developing plans for resurfacing the roadway.

Current Status:

MassDOT has announced that it will proceed with the resurfacing project in 2022 and the plans recently reached the 75% design stage. The Town’s leadership boards, and staff have compiled input received from various town boards and stakeholders and have submitted our comments and suggestions to MassDOT. We are pleased to report that the MassDOT resurfacing plans incorporate crosswalks and/or other traffic calming measures at key Lincoln intersections along the corridor including, Sunnyside Lane, Bedford Road, Hanscom Drive, Bedford Lane, and Mill Street. MassDOT is considering our request to add an additional crosswalk at Brooks Road. We are advocating for additional improvements such as pedestrian flashing beacons at crosswalks along the corridor and consistent bicycle shoulders to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. We have also submitted suggestions to support a design that reflects the aesthetic of a road that travels through the Historical National Park. These include the use of heavy timber guardrails, minimal vegetative clearing, and minimal shoulder box widening, only where needed, to allow for a consistent four foot shoulder.

Next Steps:

We anticipate receiving MassDOT’s response to our 75% design comments during July. Subject to any final revisions that MassDOT may be willing to make, the design plans will be finalized. MassDOT will then award a contract and have full responsibility for contract oversight, as Route 2A is a state-owned and maintained roadway. We appreciate MassDOT’s willingness to work with the Town, with our colleagues in Lexington and Concord, and with a variety of other stakeholders including the National Park Service to make the Route 2A corridor safer for pedestrians and bicyclists, and to improve connectivity between Lincoln’s extensive trail network and the National Park. With events and festivities relating to the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution expected to kick-off in 2025, the improvements to the Route 2A corridor and connections to the historic Battle Road could not be better timed.

Design Plan Available for Review:

MassDOT’s current design plans are available for inspection here. The Town’s most recent communication with MassDOT is available here.

Select Board Listening Session:

Select Board Chairman Jonathan Dwyer will host a listening session on July 6, 2021 at 3:30pm to answer questions about the design plans. The session will be held in person in the Donaldson Room at Town Offices, and on Zoom.